8/20/2025

LAC DU FLAMBEAU — Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi yesterday, urging the Department of Justice to ensure the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians reimburses the town of Lac du Flambeau for what he calls their “illegal shakedown.”   On January 31, 2023, the tribal government blocked public access by constructing barricades. These barricades stranded residents, cut off access to critical medications, and created a dangerous situation for emergency services, Tiffany's office said in a news release. Tribal leaders then demanded an astonishing $20 million from the town. To restore access, the town was forced to pay over $600,000 in monthly installments to the Tribe, payments Congressman Tiffany has called “extortion.” Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Conley permanently barred the United States and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe from restricting access to the four disputed roads.